The Blind Side - Analyzing a Movie Highlighting Social Issues

Introduction

"The Blind Side" is a 2009 American biographical sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock. It is based on the 2006 book "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game" by Michael Lewis and tells the story of Michael Oher, an African-American high school student who is taken in by a wealthy white family. The film was well-received by critics and audiences and earned over $300 million at the box office worldwide. In this essay, I will analyze the acting, characters, social issues, cinematic techniques, comparison to real-life events, and critical reception of "The Blind Side" to explore its impact as a movie highlighting social issues.

Summary of the Plot

Michael Oher is a homeless African-American teenager with a troubled past who is taken in by Leigh Anne Tuohy, a wealthy white Southern woman, and her family. With the Tuohys' support and encouragement, Michael excels academically and athletically and eventually becomes a professional football player. Along the way, the film explores themes such as race, privilege, poverty, education, and family.

Analysis of Acting and Characters

Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy, a fierce and determined mother who takes Michael under her wing. The other lead actors, including Quinton Aaron as Michael, Tim McGraw as Sean Tuohy, and Jae Head as S.J. Tuohy, also delivered strong performances. The characters are well-developed and multidimensional, with Leigh Anne's arc being particularly noteworthy. Her transformation from a privileged and closed-minded woman to a compassionate advocate for Michael's wellbeing is powerful and inspiring.

Examination of Social Issues

"The Blind Side" addresses several social issues in its narrative. The most prominent one is race, as Michael's story highlights the racial disparities and biases that exist in American society. The film also sheds light on the privilege that comes with wealth and how it can be used to make a positive difference in someone's life. Additionally, the movie emphasizes the importance of education and the role it plays in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Cinematic Techniques and Pacing

The director, John Lee Hancock, uses various cinematic techniques to create an immersive and emotionally-charged atmosphere. For example, he employs close-ups to convey the characters' emotions and reactions during crucial moments, and he uses lighting and color to contrast the different worlds that Michael and Leigh Anne come from. The pacing of the film is steady and deliberate, allowing the audience to become invested in Michael's journey and the relationships between the characters.

Comparison to Real-Life Events

"The Blind Side" is based on the real-life story of Michael Oher, who went on to play in the NFL. While the film stays true to the overall arc of his life, it takes some liberties with the details and events that occurred. For example, the movie overemphasizes the role that Leigh Anne played in Michael's success and neglects the contributions of other people in his life. This approach has been criticized for perpetuating the "white savior" trope, which reinforces the idea that only white people can save black people from their circumstances.

Critical Reception and Impact

"The Blind Side" received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and the uplifting nature of the story. It also received several Academy Award nominations and won for Best Actress. The film's impact on society has been significant, as it raised awareness of the issues of race and privilege and sparked discussions about how to address them. However, the movie has also been criticized for oversimplifying these complex issues and for perpetuating stereotypes and prejudices.

Conclusion

"The Blind Side" is a movie that highlights several social issues and features strong acting, well-developed characters, and effective cinematic techniques. While it has had a positive impact on raising awareness and provoking discussions about race and privilege, it also has limitations and potential biases that must be taken into account. Overall, the film serves as a reminder of the power of compassion, empathy, and education in making a difference in someone's life.

References:

1. "The Blind Side (2009)" IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0878804/. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
2. "The Blind Side (film)" Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Side_(film). Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
3. Hornaday, Ann. "Movie review: 'The Blind Side'," The Washington Post, 20 No2009, https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111904029.html. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
4. Coates, Ta-Nehis"The Blind Side's White Savior Narrative," The Atlantic, 29 No2009, https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2009/11/-the-blind-sides-white-savior-narrative/307710/. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.